Thesaurus results for SLING

Q: How is the word 'sling' distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of sling are cast , fling , hurl , pitch , throw , and toss . While all these words mean "to cause to move swiftly through space by a propulsive movement or a propelling force," sling stresses either the use of whirling momentum in throwing or directness of aim. // slung the bag over his shoulder

Q: When is 'cast' a more appropriate choice than 'sling'?

The synonyms cast and sling are sometimes interchangeable, but cast usually implies lightness in the thing thrown and sometimes a scattering. // cast it to the winds

Q: When might 'fling' be a better fit than 'sling'?

While in some cases nearly identical to sling , fling stresses a violent throwing. // flung the ring back in his face

Q: When would 'hurl' be a good substitute for 'sling'?

Although the words hurl and sling have much in common, hurl implies power as in throwing a massive weight. // hurled himself at the intruder

Q: Where would 'pitch' be a reasonable alternative to 'sling'?

While the synonyms pitch and sling are close in meaning, pitch suggests throwing carefully at a target. // pitch horseshoes

Q: When can 'throw' be used instead of 'sling'?

The words throw and sling are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, throw is general and interchangeable with the other terms but may specifically imply a distinctive motion with bent arm. // can throw a fastball and a curve

Q: When could 'toss' be used to replace 'sling'?

The meanings of toss and sling largely overlap; however, toss suggests a light or careless or aimless throwing and may imply an upward motion. // tossed the coat on the bed

sling 1 of 2

verb (1)

Definition of sling next

as in to hang

to place on an elevated point without support from below sling a hammock between the trees

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sling

2 of 2

verb (2)

ˈsliŋ

as in to throw

to send through the air especially with a quick forward motion of the arm slinging stones at the fence post

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How is the word sling distinct from other similar verbs?

Some common synonyms of sling are cast, fling, hurl, pitch, throw, and toss. While all these words mean "to cause to move swiftly through space by a propulsive movement or a propelling force," sling stresses either the use of whirling momentum in throwing or directness of aim.

slung the bag over his shoulder

When is cast a more appropriate choice than sling?

The synonyms cast and sling are sometimes interchangeable, but cast usually implies lightness in the thing thrown and sometimes a scattering.

cast it to the winds

When might fling be a better fit than sling?

While in some cases nearly identical to sling, fling stresses a violent throwing.

flung the ring back in his face

When would hurl be a good substitute for sling?

Although the words hurl and sling have much in common, hurl implies power as in throwing a massive weight.

hurled himself at the intruder

Where would pitch be a reasonable alternative to sling?

While the synonyms pitch and sling are close in meaning, pitch suggests throwing carefully at a target.

pitch horseshoes

When can throw be used instead of sling?

The words throw and sling are synonyms, but do differ in nuance. Specifically, throw is general and interchangeable with the other terms but may specifically imply a distinctive motion with bent arm.

can throw a fastball and a curve

When could toss be used to replace sling?

The meanings of toss and sling largely overlap; however, toss suggests a light or careless or aimless throwing and may imply an upward motion.

tossed the coat on the bed

Example Sentences

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Recent Examples of sling

Verb

Single chains which had been slung across the entrances at night, and were easily stepped over, were replaced with the movable barriers. —

Lincoln Anderson, New York Daily News, 6 May 2026 In addition, the action includes top-tier spider combat and awesome web-slinging and web-gliding traversal abilities. —

George Yang, PC Magazine, 1 May 2026 Warren Buffett made some of his first cash by slinging The Washington Post. —

Sydney Lake, Fortune, 29 Apr. 2026 Toss tea into the harbor at the interactive Boston Tea Party Ships & Museum, then claim a stool at the Union Oyster House — the oldest continuously operating restaurant in the country, slinging oysters since 1826. —

Lauren Schuster, Kansas City Star, 28 Apr. 2026 See All Example Sentences for sling

Recent Examples of Synonyms for sling

Verb

Warm summer nights are made for backyard dinners and poolside hangs — not swatting flies away from your burger every five seconds.

— Jeaneen Russell, PEOPLE, 20 May 2026
Here, over a dozen or so hammocks hang from palm trees, swaying just over the water, close enough to dip your toes.

— Condé Nast, Condé Nast Traveler, 19 May 2026

Definition of hang

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“Sling.” Merriam-Webster.com Thesaurus, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/thesaurus/sling. Accessed 22 May. 2026.

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Synonyms of sling

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